Re: Darkroom Renovation Phase 1
Quote:
Originally Posted by
EdSawyer
consider a Thomas duplex safelight if you can- it's by far the best out there. One will easily light your whole space.
Kreonite: honestly, I'd dump it - if you want to get back to RA4 processing, there are better/smaller/more appropriate choices. (Can that even be set up for RA4?) I use a Fujimoto CP-31 (I actually have a whole spare CP-31 too...), it's a great solution for RA4.
-Ed
Hi Ed!
No color, just B&W. I've had Patersons safelights forever, actually I just found a couple more cheap. But thanks for the suggestion!
I don't think the EP2 Kreonite will be hard to sell, when I am ready. Kreonites last longer than we will and of course Kreonite is still around. A friend calls it the "kryponite" processor because they last forever.
https://farm8.staticflickr.com/7834/...b8a7cffa_z.jpgKreonite CPT16 EP2 Color Processor by Nokton48, on Flickr
I have a LOT of Fuji Crystal Archive paper to sell off, too. Lots to do, enjoying retirement :)
Re: Darkroom Renovation Phase 1
+1 for what EdSawyer says....
Quote:
Originally Posted by
EdSawyer
Even though fluorescents have an afterglow, I've never found it to be a problem, when developing C41, B&W or RA4. They seem to fade to a level that is a non-issue almost immediately, based on my experience.
May switch to LEDs for less flicker and finickiness though.
Darkroom looks good so far!
Re: Darkroom Renovation Phase 1
That fluorescent afterglow might not be such a "non-issue" when handling sheet film!
Re: Darkroom Renovation Phase 1
Thanks Guys for all the ideas! Keep them coming!
I did replace all the overheads yesterday with LEDS. Total Cost about 60 Bucks. Will save more than that on energy over the upcoming years. Replaced the tungsten round bulbs with LEDS, too. Those are cheap at IKEA. Notice the well deserved beer in the foreground. LOL. :)
https://farm5.staticflickr.com/4804/...5973ed3f_z.jpgNew Overhead LEDs installed by Nokton48, on Flickr
Re: Darkroom Renovation Phase 1
https://farm8.staticflickr.com/7865/...7b8df6b4_z.jpgmodern enlarging systems model 2 by Nokton48, on Flickr
I did just pull the trigger on this Modern Enlarging Systems Model II LED head for my Omega DII. It uses Cree XP-G LEDs which are the most efficient on the market. Printing speed about like a 150W bulb so very bright blue LED. Although the Model II was intended for graded paper printing, I can put 6x6" Multigrade Gels in it's path if I want to VC print with it (which I eventually will when I run out of graded paper). The price on this was really great so I grabbed it. A wonderful upgrade to my trusty ole DII.
Next week I'll go after a big fiberglass darkroom sink practically right next door, and I have my eye on a 16x20 Calumet Archival Print Washer for a good price at a local used photo shop
Most pressing projects are the drop ceiling, and installing a heat vent in the ductwork running through the darkroom. I'm waiting for the special order duct to come in.
Anybody here using the Model II? This one is new in the box, never used :)
Re: Darkroom Renovation Phase 1
https://farm8.staticflickr.com/7802/...a5d27ed0_z.jpgCalumet Archival Print Washer 2 by Nokton48, on Flickr
This is the Calumet Archival Print Washer I just bought for $250. Weighs a ton when empty, takes seventeen gallons to fill. Mine needs a bit of work but appears OK, 30 day return at the store where I purchased it. I will replace all the clear tubing, and the top right overflow "T" appears bent, maybe it dosen't leak?? We will see soon. This unit will archivally wash twelve 16x20 fiber prints, or 24 8x10s in one go. This was a $650 print wash in it's last years in the Calumet catalog. I think it was made by Gravity Works? A Thing of Beauty in my opinion............
The compartments are sealed so you be almost done washing a set of prints, and then drop in another print freshly loaded with fixer, it won't contaminate the other washing prints. Very cool
Re: Darkroom Renovation Phase 1
Quote:
Originally Posted by
Jerry Bodine
Daniel, the larger of the two enlargers looks to be an Omega with the "saucer-shaped" lamphouse, which was designed with a circular fluorescent lamp for graded papers. I have the E6 (5x7) version which I converted to LEDs for use with VC papers. FYI, if you're ever interested in such a conversion, I posted this lengthy thread some time ago:
https://www.largeformatphotography.i...5x7-E6-LED-Mod
Also, when I built my darkroom I hung a couple of fluorescent fixtures for room lighting; then I noticed they left a very dim afterglow from the phosphors for several minutes after being turned off; so I switched to incandescents. I found out later this is a common problem with fluorescents.
There are now 4 ft tubes containing LED's. No afterglow as with fluorescents.
Re: Darkroom Renovation Phase 1
Thanks I've already all the overhead lights with LEDs. Note photo just above ^^^ to see them. Replaced the incandescents with LEDs too.
Current initial priorities: 1) Install heat vent duct in heating pipe running through darkroom. A special order item at Menards and coming my way soon. 2) Install drop ceiling to cut down on dust coming from above
Re: Darkroom Renovation Phase 1
https://farm8.staticflickr.com/7927/...e23e03d2_z.jpgModern Enlarging Systems Model 2 on DII 1 by Nokton48, on Flickr
LED Printing Baby Yeah!
Modern Enlarging Systems Model 2 LED Enlarging Head on my venerable 4x5 DII
https://farm8.staticflickr.com/7926/...7ced396a_z.jpgModern Enlarging Systems Model 2 on DII 2 by Nokton48, on Flickr
LED Printing Baby Yeah!
Modern Enlarging Systems Model 2 LED Enlarging Head on my venerable 4x5 DII
Re: Darkroom Renovation Phase 1
https://farm8.staticflickr.com/7903/...bdee288e_z.jpgOmega DII Modification 3 by Nokton48, on Flickr
I found an article about modifying the DII so that the neg stage becomes adjustable. I bought a box of thumb screws from McMaster Carr, and washers and bolts too. Now my neg stage is adjustable.
url=https://flic.kr/p/SYUCbf]https://farm8.staticflickr.com/7864/...89354bb7_z.jpg[/url]Modified DII lensboards 2 by Nokton48, on Flickr
I also modified my DII lensboards, so that the lens planes of each are adjustable. I drilled and tapped each board, and put a layer of computer mouse pad between each top and bottom of each finished board. Used thumbscrews from McMaster Carr. So now I will use the Versalab Parallel Laser Alignment Tool to set the enlarger completely parallel each time I set enlarger height. Only makes a minute to do this each time.
https://farm8.staticflickr.com/7817/...7318306c_z.jpgModified DII lensboards by Nokton48, on Flickr
Here are all the finished adjustable lens boards. I like the original silver Schneider Componons, I find them entirely adequate for my uses. I do have one much more modern black 180mm Rodenstock, which I have always used for printing 16x20s from 4x5